Medications

Click a letter to see a list of medications beginning with that letter.

Orlistat capsules

What is this medicine?

Orlistat (OR li stat) is used to help obese people lose weight and keep the weight off while eating a reduced-calorie diet. This medicine decreases the amount of fat that is absorbed from your diet.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with each main meal that contains about 30 percent of the calories from fat or one hour after the meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you occasionally miss a meal or have a meal without fat, you can skip that dose of this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

bloody or black, tarry stools

signs of infection like fever or chills

signs and symptoms of kidney stones like blood in the urine; pain in the lower back or side; pain when urinating

signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

uncontrolled, urgent bowel movements

vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

gallbladder problems or gallstones

HIV or AIDS

kidney stones

liver disease or hepatitis

organ transplant

pancreatitis

problems absorbing food

seizures

stomach or intestine problems

take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

an unusual or allergic reaction to orlistat, other medicines, foods, dyes, supplements or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use this medicine if you have had an organ transplant. This medicine interferes with some of the medicines used to prevent transplant rejection.

This medicine can cause decreased absorption of some vitamins. You should take a daily multivitamin that contains normal amounts of vitamins D, E, K and beta-carotene or vitamin A. Take the multivitamin once per day at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

You should use this medicine with a reduced-calorie diet that contains no more than about 30 percent of the calories from fat. Divide your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein evenly over your 3 main meals. Follow a well-balanced, reduced-calorie, low fat diet. Try starting this diet before taking this medicine. Following a low fat diet can help reduce the possible side effects from this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.